Biochem AA Traits

Glycine (Gly, G)

Most flexible amino acid due to being achiral. NP

Alanine (Ala, A)

Achiral, similar to Glycine, but contains a methyl group. NP

Valine (Val, V)

Aliphatic. NP

Leucine (Leu, L)

Aliphatic. NP

Isoleucine (Ile, I)

Aliphatic. NP

Methionine (Met, M)

Contains a thioether (-S-) group. Aliphatic. NP

Proline (Pro, P)

Least flexible; Very constrained (Due to ring formation of side chain bonding back to N). NP

Phenylalanine (Phe, F)

Aromatic (Phenyl ring). Hydrophobic NP

Tyrosine (Tyr, Y)

Aromatic. Ring contains a -OH group, allowing for slight hydrophilic interactions, but mainly hydrophobic. NP

Tryptophan (Trp W)

Aromatic. Contains 2 ring formations allowing for slight hydrophilic interactions, but mainly hydrophobic. NP

Serine (Ser, S)

Contains aliphatic -OH group, derivative of alanine. Hydrophilic & more reactive than alanine. P

Threonine (Thr, T)

Contains aliphatic -OH group, derivative of valine. Hydrophilic & more reactive than valine. P

Cysteine (Cys, C)

Contains -SH group, which is more reactive than -OH. Allows for disulfide bonds. Cannot form hydrogen bonds. P

Lysine (Lys, K)

Positively charged. P

Arginine (Arg, R)

Positively charged. P

Histidine (His, H)

Contains an aromatic ring that can be positively charged depending on the environment. P

Aspartate (Asp, D)

Acidic. Can accept protons. P

Glutamate (Glu, E)

Acidic. Can accept protons. P

Asparagine (Asn, N)

Uncharged version of Aspartate. P, Not charged

Glutamine (Gln, Q)

Uncharged version of Glutamate. P, Not charged